Daily Digest: Crypto Fraud, Trump’s Plan, Global Shifts

Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for February 13, 2026. From crypto fraud convictions to geopolitical maneuvers, here’s what shaped the last 12 hours. Let’s dive into the biggest stories across crypto, politics, world news, and iGaming.

Crypto Chaos and Convictions

• Bitcoin Ponzi Fallout: Two CEOs, from PGI Global and Praetorian Group, were sentenced to 20 years each for $200M Bitcoin and forex Ponzi schemes. These cases echo FTX-level executive failures, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities in crypto trust. Read more
• Bitcoin Stability: Bitcoin and Ether prices remain steady ahead of a critical U.S. inflation report, though miners face uncertainty with an 11% difficulty drop and a projected rebound. Details here

Political Power Plays

• Trump’s Rare Earth Gambit: Donald Trump’s $12B plan to counter China’s dominance in rare earths signals a strategic push for U.S. self-reliance. Experts warn the nation is ‘one crisis away’ from supply chain collapse. Full story
• UK Court Ruling: A UK court deemed the ban on Palestine Action as a ‘terror group’ unlawful, a win for activists despite ongoing restrictions. More info

Global Tensions and Moves

• Middle East Escalation: The USS Ford’s deployment to the Middle East, alongside a second carrier, signals heightened U.S. presence amid rising tensions. Latest updates
• European Immigration Crackdown: A European nation voted to cap its population at 10M, reflecting a broader anti-immigration wave across the continent. Read here

Finland and Estonia Highlights

• Finland Ski Scandal: Experts slam ‘straight-up cheating’ in a recent skiing controversy, with the U.S. explanation falling short. Full report
• Estonia Banking Powers: Banks may soon freeze suspicious transfers, a move to curb financial crime amid growing digital threats. Details

iGaming Updates

• Gambling Legislation Surge: Key bills this week tackle expansion, illegal gambling crackdowns, and prediction market taxes, while Coinbase doubles down amid Super Bowl buzz. More here

Key Takeaways

• Trust Under Siege: Crypto fraud convictions highlight ongoing trust issues, even as Bitcoin stabilizes—investor caution is paramount.
• Geopolitical Chess: From Trump’s resource play to Middle East military moves, global power dynamics are shifting fast.
• Local to Global: Regional stories like Finland’s scandals and Estonia’s banking reforms reflect broader themes of integrity and security.

Stay tuned to Grapevines for real-time updates on these evolving stories!